Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussions
Do you or someone you love struggle to communicate after suffering from a brain injury?
Regain the joy of communication with the help of speech pathologists.
Regain Your Speech Confidence
Traumatic brain injury (or TBI) isn’t just a literal trauma to your brain. It also takes a toll on a person’s sense of self, especially when expressing themselves to others.
If you’d like support or want to give support to a loved one recovering from TBI, your speech therapist can help with…
recovering lost speech and language skills
making them easier to understand
improving memory and cognitive abilities
discovering alternative ways to communicate (AAC)
gain more confidence and improve social skills
Traumatic Brain Injury and Speech
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a blow, bump, or shock to the head disrupts the normal operation of the brain. In some cases of TBI or concussions, chemical changes (such as lack of oxygen) also damage brain cells.
Common effects include memory loss, personality changes, problem solving issues, and communication problems. Basic activities become difficult with these new and sudden life changes.
Some head injuries are mild and with adequate care, symptoms may fade over time. Others are more serious and can lead to permanent disability that requires post-injury or lifelong rehabilitation.
Depending on the severity and nature of the brain injury, speech and language abilities may be affected. Speech-language pathologists can help give someone with TBI both a head start and steady speech recovery.
Can a mild concussion also cause speech problems?
So yes, even a minor concussion could limit your ability to communicate. You may exhibit slurred speech. You may struggle to find the words or pay attention in conversations. You may even exhibit excessive talking. This all depends on the affected area of the brain and severity of the damage.
The Effects of Concussions
Some people may also experience post-concussion syndrome, where the symptoms of their concussion lasts for up to 3 months. A person who has had two or more previous concussions should also be evaluated by a doctor.
Certain speech therapy strategies are applicable depending on the severity of the injury and range of concussion symptoms. Speech therapists are often part of an interdisciplinary team that assess and treat the injury.
Their role is focused on treating speech impairments like stuttering and slurred speech through a range of activities including breathing exercises, relearning how to move the mouth, problem solving, use of body language, auditory and verbal rehearsals.
How long does it take to regain speech after a brain injury or concussion?
Concussions on the other hand, have a much shorter recovery rate (10 to 14 days). However, post-concussion syndrome may occur that lasts up to 3 months.
With the help of a speech-language pathology and proper therapy, most people will learn to speak again after brain injury. Sports-related concussions need to be monitored closely with athletic trainers to make sure athletes don’t hastily return to sports activities without proper assessment from their physicians.
OUR SERVICES
How Apheleia Speech Therapy Can Help
Speech Therapy
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Your speech-language pathologist will introduce alternative means of communication, which offer a more complete approach instead of relying on speech progress.
Owner & Speech-Language Pathologist
Get Started and See How it All Works
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